Cricket

2 Changes India Should Make For Their Game Against Afghanistan

Team India is almost out of the ongoing T20 World Cup. Considered as one of the favourites before the tournament started, with two consecutive heavy losses to Pakistan and New Zealand, India now needs a few miracles to get into the semis. Against Afghanistan, India will have to make a few changes in the playing XI to ensure a better balance. In this article, we take a look at two changes India should make for their game against Afghanistan on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

1) Rahul Chahar for Mohammed Shami

Rahul Chahar for Mohammed Shami is one of the changes India should make for their game against Afghanistan. Mohammed Shami’s form has been underwhelming in the previous two encounters. While he has not been able to collect wickets, Shami has also not been able to maintain a decent economy. For a player who has done well before at the highest stage, this was unexpected.

On the other hand, India might think of an extra spin option considering the pacers have not done well in the last two encounters. Hardik Pandya has started bowling and could be utilized if needed. R Ashwin is a good option but with Varun CV in the XI, the veteran may not get a chance. Hence, Rahul Chahar might be drafted in as the leg-spin option for the Afghanistan encounter.

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2) Suryakumar Yadav (if fit) for Ishan Kishan

The tactic to open with Ishan Kishan did not find success against New Zealand. Hence, India could revert back to their original combination of having Suryakumar Yadav in the middle. However, SKY did not play against the Kiwis due to back spasms. If he is not available for the tournament, Shreyas Iyer may get a chance in the team and could straightaway walk into the XI.

Against Afghanistan, India could do better with the services of SKY or Iyer. The Afghans have two quality off-spinners in Mohammed Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and they could trouble Ishan. Therefore, a right-hander would help the cause. Also, it would be wise to install Rohit Sharma back in the opening slot, a position in which he is extremely comfortable.

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Nesara V Jagannatha

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